Google Places has been around for a number of years now, but we are still amazed at howw businesses have no idea what it is. This is not just a missed opportunity for many, but it we believe that it is essential for businesses to have a Google Places profile. Not only does it make them more visible for search engine results, it is an easy way for them to gain an advantage on their competitors.
What is Google Places?
Google Places is a local listings directory for businesses, similar to Yell or Thomson Local. The main difference being that the results are shown on Google’s search results page. For example, if you search for “interior design Wirral”, you will find the local results in the middle of the organic search results. The local results display a link to the website as well as the contact details for the company. There is even a map displayed, showing the location of the businesses. As you can see, Kettle Design have used this tool to great effect.
It is incredibly easy to set up a Google Places page, all you need to do is to follow these steps:
- Create a google account. If you already have one, for example a gmail account, then you’re already set.
- Visit Google Places and follow the instructions. Since Google gets information from other authorative directories, there may already be a page for your company. If this is the case, just click “claim this listing”
- Enter as much detail as possible about your business, including contact details, photographs, logos and (most importantly) which categories your business fits into.
- Confirm your entry – Once your page has been created, you will need to wait for a post card from Google to arrive with verification details.
Google Places for a mobile generation
Today, more and more people are finding businesses on their mobile phones. Apps like Google Maps use Places pages to display results on a map of the area which the user is in. If your business does not have a Google Places page, you will be missing out.
Here at Maxweb, we set up Google Places pages for all of our new websites and SEO clients. We will also offer advice on how to make them more visible to potential customers who are searching for products in your niche.
Posted on Friday, January 11th, 2013 in Digital Marketing.
